When young William arrived in the city, he found it hard to get work. Now lonesome and far from home, he remembered his mother’s words and the last words of the canal boat captain. He was led to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and became part of a growing church. He remembered his promise, and out of the first dollar he earned, he gave God His portion. He began with ten cents on the dollar. Finding regular employment, he soon became a partner in the business, and in a few years he became the sole owner.

He now resolved to keep his promise to the captain. He made an honest soap, gave a full pound, and instructed his bookkeeper to open an account with the Lord and place one tenth of all company and personal earnings to that account. He prospered, his business prospered, his family was blessed, his soap sold, and he grew richer faster than he had ever hoped. Soon he was giving it all to the Lord’s work. Who was this soapmaker? William Colgate, today a household name.